About Lo-Bak TRAX

If you’re one of the estimated 70 million individuals who suffers from chronic back pain, the Lo-Bak TRAX portable spinal traction device promises to deliver “easy, comfortable, effective” relief. How?

In a nutshell, Lo-Bak TRAX acts as a type of lever that mechanically decompresses the spine and discs. And since we’re told spinal compression is one of the most common causes of back pain, Lo-Bak TRAX claims to provide effective relief.

According to the company, Lo-Bak TRAX is an FDA cleared type I medical device for treating pain caused by spinal degenerative joint disease, herniated discs, muscle spasms, spinal stenosis, low back pain, and sciatica. On top of this, Lo-Bak TRAX’s new design means it can also be used to stretch muscles, all in the comfort of your own home—and without waiting for a chiropractor session.

Whether it’s sleeping at night, getting moving in the morning, or staying comfortable while at work, you know that chronic back pain can negatively impact every part of your day. But can a simple device like Lo-Bak TRAX really help you find some relief—and at the price of a typical copay? We’ll explore all of the device’s most important aspects here, so you can make a more informed decision.

How Does Lo-Bak TRAX Work?

Lo-Bak TRAX basically looks like a pair of bicycle handlebars with a deep “V” in the middle. Just to the inside and underneath of each padded grip, you’ll find two curved, padded extensions.

According to the company, Lo-Bak TRAX can help you find relief in 3 easy steps:

Lie down on your back, which relieves spinal pressure and relaxes your back muscles.

Pull your feet up towards your body, keeping your soles flat on the ground. This works to flatten the curve in your lower back, which means you’ll need less traction to stretch your spine.

Finally, place Lo-Bak TRAX between your legs with the pads resting on your upper quad muscle, and gently push. This decompresses the spine.

Compared to other devices, such as inversion tables, the manufacturer tells us that Lo-Bak TRAX provides “dual traction force,” since your lower body is pushed towards your feet, while your upper body is pushed off the metal handles towards your head. As a result, they claim it’ll deliver more effective results.

In addition, Lo-Bak TRAX can target your specific pain areas simply by changing your leg or wrist positions. You can even use it for stretching—and if you have hip or knee problems, Lo-Bak TRAX can work by propping your legs up on a couch or ottoman.

While this all sounds positive, are there any potential side effects from using Lo-Bak TRAX?

Possible Lo-Bak TRAX Side Effects & Contraindications

In their FAQ, the company claims it can take some time for you to figure our your ideal traction force, so you’ll need to practice using it and try different postures to see what works best.

Whether it takes some time or starts working right out of the box, it’s important to note that you might be sore after using Lo-Bak TRAX, especially within the first three weeks. As such, you’ll want to start slow and easy.

With consistent use, however, we’re told the device will stretch and relax the sensitive soft tissues surrounding and supporting your spine, potentially delivering pain relief. But is traction a common treatment for back pain? How effective is it?

What Causes Back Pain? Can Decompression/Traction Provide Relief?

As we outline in Winning the Battle Against Sciatica & Chronic Back Pain, like any other type of pain, back pain is a symptom and not an underlying condition. Instead, this pain can be caused by hundreds of different factors, although it’s commonly due to degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, muscle spasms, and sciatica—all of which Lo-Bak TRAX is FDA cleared to treat.

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Pro tip: Keep in mind that a class I medical device is the least regulated class by the FDA. In other words, this class of devices pose the least risk to consumers. Also, it’s important to note that, while the commercial claimed the FDA has never seen anything like Lo-Bak TRAX before, an FDA clearance simply means it has been “determined to be substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device.”

Whether using a device like Lo-Bak TRAX, a more traditional device such as an inversion table, or even manual adjustments at your chiropractor, traction works by stretching and straightening the spine, resulting in decreased pressure on the discs. As such, it might deliver non-surgical pain relief with few side effects.

However, like any other medical treatment, spinal traction isn’t perfect, as it can make some pain worse (especially related to certain types of osteoporosis and cancer). Also, you might experience temporary muscle spasms after beginning your traction treatments.

While you’d likely pay anything to experience some relief from your back pain, will Lo-Bak TRAX’s decompression cost you an arm and a leg?

How Much Does Lo-Bak TRAX Cost?

One Lo-Bak TRAX device is priced at $49.99, plus $9.95 S&H.

The device comes in 2 different sizes: Blue (regular) and Red (small). To figure out which one is right for you, you’ll need to measure the distance from the middle of your left thigh to the middle of your right thigh at the mid-groin level. If it measures 10.5” or more, you need the Blue. 10” or less and you need the Red.

All Lo-Bak TRAXs come with a 90-day refund policy, less S&H charges. Keep in mind that in order to qualify, it “must be returned to us in its original box, with the original instruction manual and instructional DVD, with no damage to the device or any of its parts or accessories beyond normal wear for age.”

You purchase will also come with a lifetime quality guarantee against breakage.

In order to process a refund or file a warranty claim, customer service can be reached at 855-656-2225.

Given this competitive price, are customers singing Lo-Bak TRAX’s praises?

What’s Everyone Saying In Their Lo-Bak TRAX Reviews?

Since Lo-Bak TRAX was a newer product at the time of our research, there wasn’t a whole lot of customer feedback.

However, we found 38 customer reviews on Amazon, where Lo-Bak TRAX had an average rating of 4.2 stars. Most compliments referenced improved pain and discomfort, without having to wait for chiropractor appointments or paying for physical therapy. Many also noted that it’s built well with quality materials.

On the other hand, the most common complaints cited that Lo-Bak TRAX didn’t deliver relief.

Lo-Bak TRAX also had a 4.7-star rating on QVC, based on 19 reviews. There, customers referenced many of the same compliments and complaints found on Amazon.

From a company perspective, Lo-Bak TRAX was invented and designed by Dr. Roland Berthiaume, a practicing chiropractor based out of Springfield, MA, who has over 20 years of experience in the field. Together with Thomas A. Valentine, “a Mechanical Engineer and President of one of the largest physical rehabilitation centers in Western New England,” he formed NGC Industries.

Then, according to Lori Greiner (businesswoman and member of the Shark Tank cast), she was browsing her Twitter feed one day when one tweet that read, “say goodbye to low back pain” caught her eye. Because her father had recently stopped walking due to his back pain, she called up Roland and sent a Lo-Bak TRAX device to her father.

Despite his pessimism, Lori claims that after 2 weeks of using the device, her father’s pain was diminished to the point where he was back to walking again. Lori even claims she uses it herself with similar results.

Admittedly, this is a great story. But does a celebrity endorsement mean you should place an order for Lo-Bak TRAX?

Is Lo-Bak TRAX the Right Solution For Your Back Pain?

Regardless of how excited you might be about Lo-Bak TRAX right now, we think it’s vitally important that you speak with your physician prior to placing your order. After all, they can help you decide if it’s a viable option based on your specific diagnosis.

If your doctor gives you the green light, however, we’d have a hard time thinking of a reason you shouldn’t give Lo-Bak TRAX a shot at relieving your back pain. After all, it’s fairly inexpensive (about the price of a standard copay), doesn’t require a lot of time or know-how to use, and can be returned if you’re not satisfied.

Given this, you might only be out a few bucks in S&H charges if Lo-Bak TRAX doesn’t provide you with any relief. But if it does work—like it seems to have based on the mostly positive online customer reviews—it just might give you your pain-free life back.

What are your thoughts about the Lo-Bak TRAX? Would you recommend it to others? Tell us in your review below!

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Love Lo-Bak TRAX

I've had back pain for a year in the lower back. I had an X-ray, and the doctor told me I have arthritis. I tried all kinds of different things and nothing helped. I ordered Lo-Bak TRAX and only used it three times and so far and my back feels 100 percent better. I'm 83 years old but in good shape. I walk a mile and a half five days a week but always had a sore back, especially when getting up from sitting or laying down. So far, after using Lo-Bak TRAX there is no pain.

So far, relief!

I'm 66 and have had severe lumbar degeneration for 10+ years. I've had one operation, and two ortho docs have told me that my lumbar spine is too unstable to perform any further operations. I have received epidural injections for several years with 100-50% relief. I have also taken numerous pain meds for years. My life has revolved around my spinal disorder/pain.

Then this past weekend I was visiting a dear friend who had a Lo-Bak TRAX and suggested I give it a try. Being very skeptical after years of PT, I thought the Lo-Bax TRAX looked too simple to be effective. But for my friend I gave it a go. I could actually feel a slight stretch in my lumbar. I tried it later that evening and again the next morning. Each time a light stretch could be felt. On the third try, my right leg actually felt warmth flow down thru it. I've had traction before in PT and know that it was a good sign.

I went home and bought myself a Lo-Bak TRAX! I realize that four uses are too soon for most to believe I could feel a positive difference, but I do. My legs are weak and I usually use a cane or walk humped over a store carriage. My right leg, which happens to be my worse leg, actually feels stronger. How this is possible so soon, I don't know. I don't care. I am just delighted to feel relief.

I am going to tell everyone I know who has low back pain about Lo-Bak TRAX. That's my story.

Lo-Bak TRAX works for me.

I'm 70 years old. I have arthritis all over my body. It's not terrible pain, but it does hurt. It's gotten to where I dreaded having to bend over to pick up something I dropped on the floor. And I was looking at devices to help put your socks on without having to bend over too far because of the pain.

I saw this device online and decided to try it. I started with 6-30 second stretches for one week. Then I went with 6-40 second stretches and now 6-50 second stretches. After two months I can bend over to pick things up off the floor and put on my socks without much pain.

The question I can't get answered is: should I keep increasing the number of stretches and the number of seconds? How far do you go with this? How much is too much? And should I keep using it every day? Twice a week, 3 times a week? After 6-50 second streaches, am I just wasting my time doing more? Will I do more harm than good? Anyone?

So far I like it

I have very bad disc degeneration, and it started about 8 years ago (I am only 60). I had to stop working because my back just could not handle working a full day. First I went to half days, then I finally got to where I had to go on disability (which I feel guilty for having to do that, but I guess that is what I have paid taxes for many years). Plus I really miss work. I loved my last job I had and was heartbroken when I had to walk away from it.

Well anyway, I have had four back surgeries and so many shots in my spine I can't even count them anymore. The pain is excruciating. It takes very strong pain pills to touch the pain. The last one I was on was Dilaudid, but it had so many side effects it about killed me. It really sucks, as I am sure you know if you are reading this, to be in constant chronic pain. I use a cart in the grocery store to get one item just so I can lay over the handle of the cart to help the pain.

So I decided to get one of these and give it a try. I have used it for about a week and have been slowly increasing the use and number of reps through the week. Well, today I had the lowest pain through the day that I have had in years. I will continue to use it and see if it was a fluke or if it is helping. I do know that when I lay down on the bed and use it a few reps and then stop, I can just lay there and until I get up, it feels like heaven. I have NO pain if I lay on the bed and not move for a while after using it. If that is the only relief I get, it is worth it. Because that time after my stretching feels SOOOOO good.

So I am hopeful that if I continue with it, things will continue to improve. One problem I have is when you start using it you might be using some muscles that have not been used like that in a long time, or ever. So I don't know the technical names for body parts, but I am sore in the mid-chest and mid sides from pushing just because those muscles on me are out of shape but the longer I use it, the stronger those muscles should get. So just watch that and maybe start a little slower then I did to build up those muscles that are not used to that movement of pushing like that.

And last, and I hope I don't get in trouble for saying this, but I ordered mine off of eBay direct from China, and it cost me $15.00 including postage. Like I say, I live on disability and watching my money is very important. It is the exact same product, but you don't get the CD, but you can go to YouTube for that. So it is well worth the $15.00 I spent on it.

Best $40 I ever spend. After 1 week usage see a great change in pain relief.

I just purchased the device less than a week ago. I have had years of low back pain and sclerosis of the spine. As a child, I had to do low back exercises in a full body corset. I saw the commercial, and it really reminded me of my exercises back then.

So since I started exercising with Lo-Bak TRAX, I have stopped taking Aleve for the pain, no more creams, heating pads at night or sprays. In as little as a week, I went from agonizing pain, walking not straight, having trouble walking to walking much better, very little pain (and it's been only a week), being more productive at work and simply put, my quality of life has improved greatly.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me my life back. I bought Lo-Bak at Walmart; the best $39.95 spent in my life.

Defective

I received it yesterday, and the first time I used it, the rubber pad fell off. I paid the extra for the upgrade with pads, and the glue didn't hold. I re-glued it, and if that doesn't hold, it's going back.

Help for tight muscles

I have had degenerative disc disease for 14 years and have suffered from low back pain. I have tried physical therapy, which was great, and I faithfully do my core exercises. I have also done chiropractic, trigger point injections, etc. I tried Lo-Back TRAX as I don’t have tome to be going to chiropractic. This device has worked really well to increase flexibility in my lower spine, maintain alignment and allow my tired muscles to stretch and relax along with deep breathing. I would highly recommend it.

It works perfect for me and my condition

I compressed fractured my L¹, L² and had to have two rods put in my back. My lower back has hurt every day for four years. I've lost a lot of muscle down there and always favor. I get pinched nerves in my upper back every week or two due to my lower back.

I have been using the Lo-Bak TRAX for one week and literally I can feel the difference. My back lasts longer throughout the day, and it cracks my lower back, which scared me and felt really weird. But honestly, when I stood up I felt taller and a lot of relief. I think it will end up being a lifesaver to me because I'm 37 years old and sometimes find it hard to get up after lying down for some time and I cannot play with my 4-year-old and one-year-old for long.

If it's helping after one week, I can't wait until one year after using it. And I never have written in a forum before, especially to give credit to a product, so trust me, it does what it is supposed to do.

My experience is much the same. I received it as a Christmas gift and honestly thought it was a gimmick. I have Hansen's rods installed in the full length of my spine, fused vertebrae in 4 places and one completely eaten away by disease. I tried it out and after eleven days I am amazed how much taller and erect I stand, I'm not looking at the floor anymore and with much less pain. I do need to use it two or three times a day to maintain the result and I am happy to do so!

This really works!

I just wanted to comment that I saw this for the first tie in a late night TV ad last Wednesday. I hurt my lower back, and all the muscles of my lower body stiffened up on Thursday. It takes two months to get n to see my doctor. So I ordered it on Friday from Amazon and got it on Saturday. I have been using it three times a day every day, and it really seems to be working. I can walk now. The most pain I have is an area on one side of my lower back.

I am pretty skeptical about TV inventions. This seems to have some real merit to it, and I will keep using it. I just wanted to let you know.

Definitely works but one flaw

I have used it a few days, and it actually does work! I wanted to contact the developer about the design, particularly the pointed steel tubing, which is dangerous. Why not round it off? You could do some serious damage with this thing, don't leave it laying around with little kids in the house. But it works, you can feel your back relax and decompress.

Works great

My wife bought this for herself and suggested I try it, being I've had lower back pain and was going to the chiropractor. I tried it once, and I could tell you it has worked (for me). Everybody's situation is different. I'm going to continue to use it and hopefully, the pain I have in my knee will subside as well. I will keep you posted. My wife bought the product at an As Seen On TV store.